Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on Ukraine to end violence against people after dozens of civilians were killed in clashes in the main airport of the self-proclaimed Republic of Donetsk.

On Tuesday Putin called for an immediate end to military operations in eastern Ukraine, accusing Kiev of carrying out “punitive” operations against the citizens.

Putin “underlined the need for an immediate end to the military's punitive operation in southeastern regions and the establishment of peaceful dialogue between Kiev and regional representatives,” the Kremlin said in a statement.

This is while Kiev said it has regained control of the main airport in Donetsk.

Ukraine Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said the airport is now under full government control following a day of fierce clashes.

Meanwhile, Donetsk Mayor Oleksandr Lukyanchenko said 40 people, including two civilians, have been killed in the airport clashes.

On Monday, pro-Russia protesters moved to seize the airport.

The Ukrainian army used combat jets and helicopter gunships to repel the move.

The government in Kiev has been staging military operations since mid-April in the eastern and southern regions in a bid to root out pro-Moscow demonstrations.

Ukraine’s President-elect Petro Poroshenko pledged on Monday to put an end to the war and bring peace to the former Soviet state. The 48-year-old chocolate tycoon has also ruled out negotiations with pro-Russian activists, vowing to continue military operations in the country’s southeastern provinces.